PG&E looking for customers to help test SmartMeters

PG&E is looking for volunteers to help test its controversial new SmartMeters. Hundreds of people have complained the new meters give inaccurate readings and lead to inflated bills.

PG&E says customers should call them if they are interested in participating in side by side tests of SmartMeters with analog meters.

The utility plans to conduct about 300 match-ups evenly distributed throughout its service area.

So far only a handful of side by side tests have been launched since PG&E announced the testing April 23.

"We've called some customers or if customers are interested in receiving a side by side test, we would encourage them to call us and we would be happy to try to work with them to the extent, again we are limiting them to a certain number, but are handling it on a first come, first serve," PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith said.

The tests conducted by PG&E will be separate from testing being conducted by an independent investigator hired by the state.

PG&E this summer will also start keeping track of the old meters for up to six months after replacing them. The utility says this will enable them to go back to the old meters should any questions arise.

ABC7 had incorrectly reported the utility would keep the meters connected even after installing the SmartMeter.